As the University prepares to welcome thousands of alumni back to campus during Reunion Weekend June 3–5, two classes are gearing up to reach new heights in donor participation.

Hoping to eclipse the Class of 2005’s stellar reunion fundraising in 2010, the Class of 2006 has set an ambitious goal of 1,000 alumni donors— securing a 48-percent participation rate. Thanks in part to their winning efforts in the GOLD Rush Challenge—for which the class received the naming rights to a $25,000 scholarship—this year’s 5th reunion class acquired more than 500 gifts by the end of the calendar year, a BC first.

"The strong community tie between our amazing volunteers and the University is one element that has driven our success so far," says Victoria O’Kane ’06, co-chair of the 5th Reunion Committee. "Sometimes young alumni don’t realize the impact they can have on the University. By getting involved, either financially or as volunteers, we can change BC for the better and really help future students."

The Class of 2006 is not the only reunion class poised to realize record giving. Committee members from the Class of 1986 hope to surpass all previous 25th reunion classes by raising $12.6 million—$3.1 million more than the previous mark set by the Class of 1984.

"We want to break all the records," says University Trustee and 25th Reunion Co-chair David O’Connor ’86. "We’ll be successful because our classmates’ individual efforts are great. That support adds up."

The Class of 1986 is no stranger to achieving milestones, having raised nearly $3.6 million in its 20th reunion year, the first class to do so. Five years later, they are no less focused and motivated to make an impact through class-wide contributions.

"Education is so much more expensive today, and many of our gifts go to financial aid and scholarships," explains O’Connor. "That is the number one reason we ask alumni to participate, no matter if the amount is $19.86 or $1 million. Every gift counts."

The early efforts of committee members like O’Kane and O’Connor may pay off in yet another big way. As part of the Race to the Finish Challenge, $100,000 in scholarships will be named in honor of each of the first four classes to reach their participation goals. Both the 5th and 25th reunion classes are leading the pack and hope to carry that momentum all the way through Reunion Weekend.

To register for reunion or to be counted for your class, visit www.bc.edu/reunion.